Richmond-based government relations firm KVCF Solutions recently announced the formation of CannabisVA, an organization that will focus on promoting a “favorable and responsible business environment for pharma-related cannabis activities in Virginia.”

KCVF Managing Director Steve Baril said the group will focus on the medical and economic opportunities the cannabis industry could bring to Virginia, while giving some cover to people interested in the issue who may be skittish about promoting products that are technically banned by federal law.

“We think there are a lot of people who would like to get involved who maybe don’t have the time, they don’t know how to do it,” Baril said. “Or maybe they would like to work through an organization but not necessarily be out in front.”